Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide

[stillsmallvoice]

There's significance in the wisdom of a child, even more in one like Henry. It's no small matter that Archie Hopper's moment of illumination came at the bottom of a mine shaft where they both could have died.

And above all, there's the very real significance that he's stood up to the one person in Storybrooke, outside of perhaps Mr. Gold whom he only associates with when absolutely necessary, that could crush him like a bug.

Yet, once Marco has bid him goodnight he and Pongo return to the office and a stack of files. And mostly full bottle of scotch, leading to a tumbler of scotch... and quite naturally a belly of scotch as he considers the decisions he's made.

[ooc: Episode tag to 1x05, finding my feet so to speak. Feel free to tag in.]

Comments

[stillsmallvoice]

He's mostly sober despite the pink tinge on his cheeks, but it makes it easier to think a bit more open minded.

Not that it's required with Graham.

"I think, in good ways."

[ahuntsman]

Graham downs the rest of his drink, taking that space of time to gather his thoughts and gather his courage.

He isn't sure how this is going to sound, but he's been wanting to say something about it for days now.

"Emma's - different somehow," he starts.

And yes, it sounds just as ridiculous as it does in his head - but he goes on.

"I've never met anyone like her before."

(Even if he did, he wouldn't remember.)

"I don't even know how to explain it."

[stillsmallvoice]

Doctor Hopper nodded slowly, tracing his fingers over the smooth rim of his glass. Graham has a point, though with clearly a different perspective.

"You don't have to explain, I understand."

It's a simple sentiment, but true.

[ahuntsman]

"Do you?" Graham asks.

Archie's words are almost like a balm, allowing him to exhale with relief.

It isn't even just the attraction to her, though there is that. (And to deny it would make him even more ridiculous than he already is.) It's something else too, something he can't even begin to understand but it thrums beneath his skin, like an itch he can never reach.

"What is it about Emma? It's -"

He rubs his face.

[stillsmallvoice]

Another small, awkward laugh catches his throat and Archie finishes the thought; "Different from the rest of us."

Maybe it's because of the life she had prior to Storybrooke, what little he knows of it, but she's not on the same wheel that they are - spinning between keeping things operating on an even keep and bowing to the Mayor's strong fist.

[ahuntsman]

"Yes."

Graham shakes his head.

"I'm sorry if this wasn't exactly what you had in mind to do tonight," he says. "It's been a long day for all of us."

[stillsmallvoice]

What he had in mind was entirely too self destructive for a respectable person, and it's a good thing that he's got something to keep his mind off of it - but couldn't dream of mentioning that.

Instead he quietly nods agreement and says; "No need to apologize, I'm quite glad things worked out for the best and everyone is safe."